J.E.D.I. Talk: Trans Inclusion in a Changing Landscape

Lenny spoke at Beyond the Ruling: Trans Inclusion in a Changing Landscape, a RIBA Change The Record discussion in the JEDI (Just Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) talks series hosted by RIBA North East.

The event took place a year on from the UK Supreme Court's April 2025 ruling that "sex", "man" and "woman" in the Equality Act refer to biological sex at birth. It asked what the ruling means in practice for built environment professionals, and what role RIBA should play in supporting them.

Lenny's talk, Before We Build For Others, argued that inclusive design starts with how the profession treats its own people. The talk began with how Queerscapes came about: as a response to queer and trans spatial practitioners not having space within their own industry. Lenny then looked at what the ruling has meant for trans and non-binary people's access to everyday spaces, and for the people who design them.

Lenny also talked about the open letter Queerscapes wrote after the ruling to the leadership of six built environment bodies: the Landscape Institute, RIBA, CIOB, ICE, RICS and RTPI. The letter called on them to show clarity and courage in protecting trans and gender-diverse members. The talk ended with practical steps architects and designers can take now to create spaces that put safety, dignity and access first for everyone.